How might local climate or soil changes subtly affect the traditional medicinal preparations of frailejones?
Answer
Trace elements absorbed by the moisture-collecting plant could alter the chemical constituents.
The reliability of the plant's ecological function—collecting environmental moisture—directly links to the reliability of its potential medicinal qualities. Since the plant functions by gathering moisture from the air and soil, minor disturbances like pollution or habitat alteration could cause it to absorb trace elements. This absorption process might subtly change the plant's internal chemistry, thereby potentially altering the efficacy or safety profile of any traditional preparation made from that plant material.
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